Click Here for our New Japanese Website!

What to Wear

We want you to have the most fantastic time on your dog sledding adventure with us!  We all know that when one is cold it becomes more of a challenge to enjoy your trip!  We have provided you with these helpful hints on how to dress, which fabrics are best and what types of clothing or fabric you’ll want to stay away from.

What fabrics and systems to stay away from:

  • Cotton.  Once cotton gets wet, whether it’s from sweating or precipitation from the environment, it will remain wet.  This will in turn cause you to get cold. We recommend staying away from cotton fabrics especially when used for your hands or feet.
  • Too many layers.  It is important to understand that the more layers you put on your feet, core and hands, the more they will restrict movement in these areas.  One key factor in staying warm is movement, which means your blood needs to circulate.  For example, if you have 3 layers of gloves on your hands your fingers will not be able to move, causing less circulation, resulting in cold fingers.  We recommend using one thick pair of mitts or gloves in conjunction with a thin inner silk, wool or synthetic liner.  Usually if you only paid $12.00 for the gloves you are wearing, chances are they won’t keep your hands all that warm especially around temperatures of -10 C or colder.
  • Keeping your natural fibre layers closest to your skin.  Natural layers like down, wool, fur or silk, work by absorbing your body heat.  If you put a windproof material jacket on top of your long underwear and then put your down jacket on as the outer layer, you’re probably going to feel the cold.  Down is the insulator therefore should be next to your skin, while nylon with Teflon, Gore-Tex   etc. will shield your inner layer from the outer elements, and it is to be used effectively only as you’re most outer layer.
  • Tennis shoes or sneakers, any boots without winter insulation or do not rise past your ankles, summer hiking boots, dress shoes of any type, high heel shoes or boots and any shoe/boot without a substantial grip should be avoided.
  • Jeans; sweat pants, dress pants, leggings, and skirts should be avoided in a wilderness winter setting.  However, if you have proper insulated Gore-Tex, water/windproof snow pants to pull on over your jeans, sweats or skirt, you would be more prepared.

Examples of fabrics and protection to wear on your sled dog adventure:

  • Wool, fleece, silk, down and Gore-Tex.
  • Long underwear, also known as a second skin.  If they have worked for you in skiing and snowboarding then they will be appropriate for dog sledding as well.
  • A light fleece, sweat to cover over top of your long underwear bottoms.
  • A light fleece jacket or warm sweater over top of your upper long underwear.
  • A down jacket or warm Gore-Tex, water/wind proof insulated jacket for your outer layer.  Your jackets should have a high neck, reaching your chin for protection from the elements.
  • Waterproof and/or wind proof insulated outer snow pants.
  • Medium to thick wool socks are the best in our experience.
  • Winter boots, preferably rated for -30C.
  • Balaclava or scarf for your face.
  • Warm toque that covers your ears.
  • Warm mitts or gloves (must to be insulated).
  • Ski Goggles or protective sun glasses.
  • Sunscreen and lip protection.

Remember:

  • Snowy Owl provides warm Glacier Sorel Boots for hire at our retail store which you will be stopping by prior to your tour.  If you require boots for your tour with us, be sure to inform your van driver before arriving to the office.
  • We have North Face Expedition gear for hire as well!
  • If you hope to enjoy your experience in dog sledding, you will want to be warm and need to wear the proper clothing, otherwise expect to have a chilly ride!
  • Dress as if you were going skiing into the back country.
  • Snowboarding boots are allowed but not ski boots.
  • Feel free to bring a day pack with additional beverages, snacks and/or other clothing as there is plenty of room in the sleds.  However, we ask that you only bring what you need, as travel cases etc. are not permitted.  AND, don’t forget your camera.

If you do not have any winter clothing,  feel free to contact us at (403) 678-4369, toll-free at 1.888.311.MUSH (6874) or by email at leaddog@snowyowltours.com and we will direct you to the closest winter gear rental shop.